Cities Near Fort Lauderdale: Where to Live Around Broward County

If you love the idea of Fort Lauderdale but want more space, a quieter street, or a lower price, the good news is that the cities near Fort Lauderdale give you a dozen real options within a 30-minute drive. Broward County packs 31 municipalities into a fairly small footprint, so you can trade a few minutes of commute for a very different lifestyle and price point. Pure Equity Realty covers all of Broward, so here is an honest tour of the neighbors, grouped by the kind of life they offer.

Key takeaways

• Broward County has 31 cities and towns, and most of the cities near Fort Lauderdale are a 15 to 30 minute drive from downtown.
• Beach towns like Pompano Beach, Hollywood, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, and Dania Beach keep you on the coast, often for less than the Isles.
• Family suburbs like Plantation, Davie, Sunrise, and Tamarac offer more house for the money a few miles inland.
• Master-planned west Broward, including Coral Springs, Parkland, Weston, and Pembroke Pines, is where families go for top schools and newer homes.

Beach towns along the coast

If the beach is the whole point, several coastal cities sit just north and south of Fort Lauderdale. Pompano Beach, directly to the north, has spent the last decade redeveloping its beachfront and pier and generally costs less than Fort Lauderdale for similar water access. Tucked between them, tiny Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is a walkable, low-rise beach village known for shore diving right off the sand. To the south, Hollywood offers its famous two-and-a-half-mile Broadwalk, a more laid-back beach scene, and a mix of bungalows and condos. Dania Beach, the oldest city in Broward, sits right by the airport and Port Everglades with a quieter, more affordable feel.

Walkable and urban-adjacent

Right next to Fort Lauderdale, a couple of small cities give you an urban, walkable feel without the downtown price. Wilton Manors is a lively, close-in city with a well-known main street and one of the most prominent LGBTQ communities in the country. Oakland Park, its neighbor, has been building out its own downtown culinary district and remains one of the more attainable close-in options. Both put you minutes from Las Olas and the beach.

Family suburbs a few miles inland

Head west off the coast and the money goes further. Plantation is a mature, green suburb with good access to the hospital district and I-595. Davie keeps an equestrian, semi-rural character in parts, along with Nova Southeastern University and larger lots. Sunrise is home to Sawgrass Mills, one of the largest outlet malls in the country, and the arena where the Florida Panthers play. Tamarac and Lauderhill round out the more affordable middle of the county. These cities trade beach walks for space, yards, and shorter money.

Master-planned west Broward

The far western suburbs are where many families end up for schools and newer construction. Coral Springs is a planned city known for its schools, parks, and orderly neighborhoods. Parkland, just north, is one of the most affluent addresses in the county, with large homes and top-rated schools. Weston, near the Everglades edge, is a polished master-planned city with excellent schools and a strong resale market. Pembroke Pines and Miramar, at the county's southern edge, are large, family-heavy cities that also put you closer to Miami-Dade. Coconut Creek and Margate fill in the northwest with more value-oriented options.

How to choose among the cities near Fort Lauderdale

The right neighbor comes down to what you are optimizing for. Want beach access on a smaller budget than the Isles? Look north to Pompano or south to Hollywood. Want a walkable, close-in vibe? Wilton Manors or Oakland Park. Want the most house and the best-rated schools? Point west toward Coral Springs, Parkland, Weston, or Pembroke Pines. Commute matters too: the western cities are a longer drive to the beach and downtown, while the coastal towns keep you close but cost more per square foot. Browse the full Broward County market, compare what Fort Lauderdale itself is known for, or read up on Delray Beach just up the coast in Palm Beach County.

Frequently asked questions

What cities are closest to Fort Lauderdale?

The closest are Wilton Manors, Oakland Park, Lauderdale Lakes, and Plantation, all bordering the city, along with Pompano Beach to the north and Dania Beach and Hollywood to the south.

What is the nicest city near Fort Lauderdale?

It depends on your priorities. Parkland and Weston are often cited for schools and upscale homes, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea for its walkable beach charm, and Wilton Manors for close-in urban living.

Where can I live near Fort Lauderdale for less money?

Inland cities like Tamarac, Lauderhill, Margate, and parts of Pompano Beach and Oakland Park generally offer lower prices than beachfront Fort Lauderdale while keeping you within a 20 to 30 minute drive.

Which cities near Fort Lauderdale have the best schools?

West Broward suburbs like Coral Springs, Parkland, and Weston are the best known for highly rated public schools, which is a major reason families move there.

Not sure which Broward city fits? Pure Equity Realty can match you to the right neighbor of Fort Lauderdale based on budget, schools, and commute. Get in touch or start browsing homes for sale across South Florida.